Phil Jones: Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has improved me

Phil Jones appears to be developing a strong partnership with Chris Smalling in the Manchester United defence.

Phil Jones thinks he has improved as a footballer under Louis van Gaal and thanked the Manchester United manager for the development in his game.

Jones, 23, seems to finally be establishing himself in the centre of the United defence and has formed a fine partnership with his fellow Englishman Chris Smalling in the recent 3-0 win over Tottenham and 2-1 victory against Liverpool.

He believes Van Gaal's methods are a major reason he has kicked on this season, telling a news conference: "I think it has made me a better player for adapting to different situations at different times in the game at club level and international level.

"He's [Van Gaal] a good manager. We enjoy playing for him and we've learned a lot from him this season."

Meanwhile, fellow United defender Smalling has said England manager Roy Hodgson stopped him from going to university.

Smalling was playing for non-league Maidstone when Hodgson signed him for Fulham.

He said in the Daily Express: "Roy's the one who really got it started for me. He pulled me into his office after the trial and it started from there.

"I had my exams in a month or two, but was offered a trial by Fulham, and also Middlesbrough, and thought I had nothing to lose.

"I went along with my mum and my brother, but already had the backup plan of places to study Financial Economics at Leicester and Loughborough. I had an offer of three B's [in his A-Level exams], which I was confident of getting, and I did. So at my trial I had nothing to lose and could give it my all."